The fire was so intense that teams of firefighters piped water to the scene from the Leeds and Liverpool Canal more than half-a-mile away.

Two residents at the pub escaped unharmed and the adjoining properties were evacuated as firefighters in six fire engines from Blackburn, Chorley and Bamber Bridge, battled to prevent the flames spreading to nearby homes.

Folk watched in horror as flames were seen coming out of the roof and passers by stopped to take videos and photographs.